The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, July 18: Ajaz Ahmad Bhat , Director of Sericulture in Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated a three-day Skill Development Programme at Sarnal, Anantnag, as part of the Capacity Building Activities for Silkworm Rearers and Farmers under Silk SAMAGRA-II. The event marked a significant step towards enhancing the sericulture sector in the region.
During the inauguration, Director Bhat honored Rajive Gupta, District Sericulture Officer of Udhampur, and Ruby Jan, Sericulture Assistant, along with their teams. They were recognized for their outstanding commitment and efforts in improving cocoon production and quality silkworm seed production.
Emphasizing the importance of skill upgradation for silkworm rearers, the Director highlighted the department’s initiatives to organize regular capacity building programs across Jammu and Kashmir. He announced plans to strengthen these activities, conduct mass awareness programs, and arrange exposure visits for silkworm rearers and youth in all districts of the region.
As part of the outreach initiative under HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Programme), the Director distributed silkworm rearing kits, farm tools, and implements to silkworm rearers. This move aims to attract more farmers to the sericulture sector.
Director Bhat spoke about the potential of sericulture and various departmental schemes designed to increase income generation, particularly for unemployed youth. He instructed officers to prioritize wide publicity and awareness about the facilities and incentives provided by the department to silkworm rearers.
Highlighting the advantages of silkworm rearing for both general and landless farmers, the Director mentioned that it doesn’t require large spaces. He also noted that the department provides financial assistance for constructing rearing sheds in a phased manner.
The Director urged officers and field functionaries to discharge their duties with enthusiasm, providing technical expertise and assistance to silkworm rearers and farmers. He encouraged rearers to maximize their potential and double their efforts to ensure quality and achieve a bumper crop during the rearing season.
Expressing gratitude, Director Bhat thanked Mr. P. Sivakumar (IFS), Member Secretary of the Central Silk Board Bangalore, for his support to the Sericulture Development Department of J&K in its efforts for inclusive development.
The event was attended by the Additional Director of Sericulture Development Department, Kashmir, the District Sericulture Officer of Anantnag/Kulgam, and other departmental officers.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to developing the sericulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, potentially creating new economic opportunities for farmers and youth in the region.